Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1887-08-22

be ahsent from his post more than an
hour st time. All batteries st Nicks-
burg were ordered 70 respect my red
light st night and green flag by day
when crossing the river in skiff
which used for the purpose Of send
ing for supplies and forwarding any
news to the general commanding.
One dark and stormy night / shall
never forget it, l had met several of
the soldier boys from Houston-my
old schoolmateS. most of them-manv
long since dead. but | hope not for
gotten. and naturally we enjoyed
ourselves, causing the writer TO over
stay his time somewhat.
Although having on board con-
siderable amount of Louisiana rum,
the only drink obtainable in Vicks-
burg. an idea took possession Of me
that il was very important that !
should be st my post At once. As
something might occur. which. should
It occur without my knowledge, would
render = desertion Of the confederacy
necessary on my part.
The wind was blowing 4 hurricane
and the waves OF the old Mississippi
were fearful 10 gaze upon. l feared
ny frail craft would hardly live in
such 4 sea. but knowing it TO be all
nv own fault that l had been caught
in such storm on the wrong side of
the river, determined me TO cross At
aIl hazards. After superhuman ef-
forts | reached the Louisiana shore
in safety Hastily securing my boat.
with I choking sensation al my throat.
for excitement At neglect Of my duty
had rendered me almost s paralytic,
I rushed into the Office, and. as tele-
graphers say, cut IN. Instantaneous
II heard ny old chum CDanieD cali
ing ~ .'v'' with the energy of de-
spair- I answered /, /. ".
His first words were ''Great God.
F.. 50 transports and gunbOats
have passed since dark. and as far as
the eve can reach up the river they
are still coming. Rush across and
give the alarm. I leave here. for
this line viii be destroyed and Of no
more service.
The storm had not abated, but
without 4 thought of danger 1 hur-
RED across TO Xicksburg.
\ great ball was in progress. at
which the general and his staff, as
well a. aI the beauty and chivalry Of
the city and surrounding country.
were present. The great house was
q surging mass Of dancers and prom
enaders-
Singing out the general. l walked
up 70 him respectfully, saluting him
self and his lady partner will
never forget his scOwl at me. for l
was thoroughly drenched. and muddy
from head 70 foot. nor will I ever for
get the curious and wondering looks
given me BY the ladies. with whom |
was one OF the favored beaux myself
being q dandy and masher to my
highest capacity.
I cannot imagine what they thought
OF my appearance. hadn't time TO
feel ashamed OF my condition OF at
nv tramp ike outfit in that magniti-
cent thrOng-
A l stepped up close to the gen
eraI he exclaimed, well, sir - in
loud and threatening manner. l
merely handed him a piece Of paper
upon which had hastily written the
number Of boats that had passed, etc.
He glanced at it at first deliberate
Is, but in q second he drew it close
70 his eyes. His face paled, his
brow contracted. and he exclaimed
Where did you get this information,
SIR" Ny only reply was: II am sta
toned across the river, opposite this
city, in charge OF the telegraph, by
your order.
The great crowd had pressed around
Us a. his remarks TO me were in a
very high key. He exclaimed: ..All
officers Of the army viii hurry 70
their respective camps at once. The
enemy are within a few miles Of u
and may land BY morning. All fam
lies wishing To leave the city viii be
furnished transportation BY rail"
In i've minutes that ball was a thing
Of the past.
To say there was too much busi-
ness for the wires that night l. only
suPerfuous- Half Of the messages
were never sent, and only those ask
ing reinfOTcements from every part
Of the cOnfederacv were ever trans
mitted.
The first telegram was to President
Davis, apprising him Of the situation.
Every one then living at yicEsburg
remembers our big fight at Chickasaw
bayou q day Or two afterwards, where
the enemy landed, and where they
were 50 terribly defeated, causing
them 10 retreat up the river, not
troubling yicksburg 70 any extent
for many . long day. They amused
themselves occasionally By sending or
attempting to send guHboat past
or batteries, in which pastine they
OfteB met with ignOminiOus failure.
Right here let me remark that lit
tie telegraph line across the river
closed for repairs. a. the Feds finding
i and knowing that II had apprised